Franklin County Data Center Lawsuit Challenges Rezoning
Franklin County residents and the Franklin County Rural Coalition filed a lawsuit challenging rezonings for the Diamond Farms and Crooked Creek data center projects near Pacific and Gray Summit. Opponents argue the county changed its data center rules after public hearings and cite concerns about water use, noise, lighting, heat and watershed impacts.
Residents and the Franklin County Rural Coalition have taken legal action against rezonings covering about 1,103 acres for two proposed data centers, known as Diamond Farms and Crooked Creek, near Pacific and Gray Summit in Franklin County, Missouri. The petitions challenge approvals granted by Franklin County commissioners after contentious public meetings attended by hundreds of residents.
Opponents contend that county officials changed data center zoning rules after public participation had ended. Their concerns include water usage, impacts on watersheds and waterways, noise, lighting, heat and the projects' effect on the area's rural character. The lawsuit remains unresolved, and county officials and project representatives did not respond to requests for comment.